What makes Weekend in New England by Barry Manilow notable?

The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at No. 15 on the Pop chart, marking a significant moment in Manilow's career. Its title track became one of his signature songs, showcasing his ability to merge emotional storytelling with mainstream appeal and contributing to the soft rock movement of the time. Released on November 1, 1976, 'Weekend in New England' was Barry Manilow's fourth studio album, following his commercially successful self-titled debut and the chart-topping 'Trying to Get the Feeling'. At this point, Manilow was solidifying his place as a leading figure in the soft rock genre, blending pop melodies with rich orchestrations.

How many songs are on Weekend in New England?

Weekend in New England has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Weekend in New England

Barry Manilow · 1976

6 min · 2 tracks · pop music

Lush orchestration intertwines with heartfelt vocals, evoking nostalgia and longing in a quintessential soft rock sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Weekend in New England — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional depth, featuring soaring melodies and poignant lyrics that vividly paint a picture of longing and love.
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Say the Words — With its intimate delivery and heartfelt theme, this track exemplifies Manilow's knack for connecting with audiences through personal storytelling and relatable emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The lush arrangements and heartfelt vocals create a recognizable soft rock sound, though it follows familiar patterns.

What we noticed

The title track features a sweeping orchestral arrangement that builds gradually, culminating in a powerful vocal climax.
The second track employs a more subdued instrumentation, focusing on the lyrical delivery and emotional resonance of the vocals.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.